Jordan Fraser of Manly sentenced over Wakehurst Parkway bus tirade
A northern beaches man who became impatient and “agitated” on a bus commute because the driver kept stopping, has been charged with common assault. Find out what happened here.
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A northern beaches factory worker who was commuting home became “agitated” and threw a tantrum, swearing at the bus driver and kicking in the door because the bus kept stopping.
Jordan Fraser, 24, of Manly appeared at Manly Local Court on Wednesday for sentencing after pleading guilty to common assault and use offensive language in a public place on August 7.
According to documents tendered in court, at about 6.30pm Fraser boarded the Forest Coaches Public Bus at Haigh Avenue, Belrose and became “agitated” when the driver stopped at Wakehurst Parkway, yelling “There is nobody here just keep driving.”
Details from the same documents reveal the driver calmly explained to Fraser he had timings to make and could not leave without waiting but soon after Fraser said, “other bus drivers go on through, why is it that you want to just sit here?”.
At another bus stop, the driver was dealing with a person who did not have an Opal card and could not pay for the fare. Fraser said, “Just get of the f***ing bus then. Come on, let’s get out of here,” police facts state.
Due to the outburst, the driver called management to alert them to the accused being “troublesome” and requested assistance.
The police facts show this led to Fraser walking to the front of the bus and “kicking the security door, allowing access to the driver’s seat with such force, it has slammed shut”, then yelling “You’re a f***ing c**t, you shouldn’t be making personal phone calls.”
Police officers “escorted” Fraser off the bus and he was placed under arrest, however Fraser continued to show “no remorse for his actions”, police facts state.
During court proceedings on Wednesday, Fraser’s lawyer said his client “was coming home from work and the bus was already late”.
“He did kick the door and he accepts that in his plea of guilty. Your honour he’s a relatively young man still. He does have a brain injury,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate Michelle Goodwin took his “health problems” into account, but said it didn’t excuse his behaviour.
“We all get upset with things happening in the community, it’s just a part of being in the city and every day life, but it doesn’t mean you have a right to react like that. That poor man was just trying to make a living,” Magistrate Goodwin said.
“Imagine how frightened that poor man was? You can’t behave and swear like that. I understand you were in a hurry and frustrated but you just have to deal with it.”
He was convicted and ordered to undertake a Community Corrections Order for a period of 12 months with conditions including counselling.